📅 February 18: Psalm 85, 86 - Restoring Love and Dependence

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February 18: Psalm 85, 86 - Restoring Love and Dependence

Introduction

Welcome to our collective journey exploring the divine treasury of the Psalms. On this day, we delve into psalms 85 and 86, touching on themes of reconciliation, revival, and complete dependence on God.

Psalm 85: A Plea for Revival

In Psalm 85, the Sons of Korah recall God’s past mercy and restoration, expressing hope that God will again restore and revive their lives.

Key Verse: “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?” (Psalm 85:6)

Psalm 86: A Prayer of Dependence

David’s plea in Psalm 86 is a raw declaration of complete dependence on God. This psalm beautifully encapsulates humility, vulnerability, and trust.

Key Verse: “Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11)

Key Themes and Reflections

In both psalms, we encounter two overriding themes - God’s refreshing grace and the joy of wholly relying on Him. These underline the heart cry for God’s intervention and the ceaseless pursuit of His wisdom.

Today’s Application

The verses call us to a renewed sense of dependence on God and to daily seek His guidance. In our fast-paced lives, these psalms remind us to pause, reflect, and find restoration in God’s unfailing love and faithfulness.

Hidden Gem

You might have missed that Psalm 86 is one of the few psalms attributed explicitly to David in the third book of the Psalms. This inclusion emphasises the personal nature of David’s plea, adding depth to its heartfelt contents.

Reflective Q&A

How can we practice reliance on God in today’s world?
A: Through prayer, seeking His wisdom in His word, and putting our trust in Him in our decisions.

What does revival look like in personal life and in communities?
A: Personal revival may mean renewed zeal for the Lord, while community revival often leads to increased unity and love towards others.

How can we reflect God’s unfailing love towards others?
A: By showing kindness, forgiveness, and understanding, we mirror God’s love.

Join the Discussion

Feel free to share your thoughts, reflections, and insights on these psalms in the comments. It’s always a blessing to learn and grow together.

See You Tomorrow in Psalm 87, 88

Continue this journey with us tomorrow as we explore Psalms 87 and 88, studying themes of God’s love for His city and a cry for deliverance in the midst of suffering. As we close today, let’s respond to the call to find renewal in our dependence on God’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

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Psalms 85,86
Psalm 85 records a prayer of Praise (vv. 1-3), Petition (vv. 4-7) and Prospect (vv. 8-13). It may have been recorded at the time of punishment after David’s return from the exile by Absalom. The voice of praise responds to the divine blessing experienced by the nation of Israel in times past, and the restoration to their Land. It was evidence of the forgiveness of Yahweh, but in his Petition, the Psalmist pleads for the continued restoration of the people. In his final words he expresses the lovely phrase “mercy and truth are met together” (v. 10). This expresses both the goodness and severity of Yahweh (Rom. 11:22), His wonderful concern, and His demand for the elevation of His Truth. Then comes the final of the four expressions: “righteousness and peace have kissed” (v. 10). With the upholding of Yahweh’s righteousness, peace and harmony result. Unity with Yahweh is dependent upon the acceptance of His Truth. So the final verse reveals the means of redemption. Righteousness is expressed as a shepherd, leading the way for those who hear his voice to follow (Isa. 40:10-11). The superscription of Psa. 86 is the only reference to David in this section of the Psalms. It is a mosaic prayer for help; a combination of other psalms brought together (see Psalms 25-28; 54-57), beautifully blended together into a general prayer as David meditates upon past experiences. So the Psalm expresses [1] Prayer: for help in time of need (vv. 1-7); [2] Praise: Yahweh’s unique greatness (vv. 8-10); [3] Praise: for anticipated help to come (vv. 11-13); [4] Prayer: for immediate help in special trouble (vv. 14-17). The Psalm concludes with an expression of confidence: “Shew me a token for good.” David received this in the ensuing military triumphs, foreshadowing the future. We see it in the victory over sin demonstrated on the Memorial Table, of the glorious triumph of Yahshua the Righteous. It is in these Psalms, during times of our troubles, that we can be comforted (v. 17). — Logos